Brazil Roundup: Prisons, flight prices, kidnapping, tax reform, homelessness

Prison conditions

Reports have warned that torture and restriction of food and water are common in Brazilian prisons, along with other human rights abuses. Entities monitoring conditions across the country have deplored the state of infrastructure, the spread of disease, and the quality of medical care. The problems are recurrent in all regions of the country, as reported by Folha de S. Paulo.

Flight prices

On Monday, December 18, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized the cost of airfares in Brazil. Lula stated: "The price of aeroplane tickets in this country has no explanation. This is something the government will have to address, and the Senate will have to focus on trying to find a solution." The government had planned a program to reduce flight prices, called Voa Brasil. It has been announced that its implementation will be postponed until 2024.

Kidnapping of former football player

Former football player Marcelinho Carioca, known for his historic role with Corinthians, reappeared after being kidnapped in São Paulo on Sunday, December 17. The State Police of São Paulo reported in a press conference that five people have been arrested on charges of extortion through kidnapping. Carioca had gone missing after leaving a party organised at the club's stadium.

Tax reform

Brazil's lower house has approved a significant overhaul of the country's convoluted tax system, marking a major success for President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. This long-awaited tax reform aims to streamline the system, which is generally considered overly complex for both individuals and businesses, with the goal of boosting economic growth. The reform is set to be signed into law in a joint session of Congress expected to take place on Wednesday, December 19.

Homelessness crisis

The Institute of Applied Economic Research (IPEA) in Brazil has reported that the number of homeless people has increased tenfold in a decade, going from almost 22,000 in 2013 to more than 227,000 in 2023. The government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has presented "Visible Streets," a plan with a budget of 982 million reais to tackle this issue.